Top 4 types of plastic paints and how to apply them correctly, possible problems
The service life of plastic products is not long, over time they lose their attractive appearance and require renovation. There are several types of paint for plastic, which differ not only in high decorativeness, but also in protective effect. They are used to paint plastic panels of cars and ships, interior items and furniture. The main thing for successful work is to choose a dye that matches the type of plastic and operating conditions.
Paint Requirements for Plastic
Plastic refers to several types of artificial substances:
- PS (polystyrene), PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene) - these substances cannot be painted over, the pigment layer will simply peel off from the surface;
- ABS (thermoplastic engineering resin with acrylonitrile copolymer), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) - painting is possible, but with prior priming.
For this reason, it is impossible to paint a metal-plastic pipe normally, in the structure of which there is polyethylene.But the paint adapts well to the plastic panels of cars.
A paint suitable for plastic must meet the following requirements:
- high adhesion (reliable adhesion to the surface);
- compatibility with painted surface or primer;
- covering power, superposition of a dense and uniform layer;
- moisture resistance (for plastic surfaces in a room with high humidity, you need to take a dye with protective polyurethane additives);
- high decorative effect.
When choosing a paint, consider what plastic and what operating conditions it is intended for:
- ABS is a composition with the properties of a colorant and a finish. It is used both for decoration and as a base coat.
- Structural - paint that hides surface defects, giving the plastic a decorative effect.
- Powder - for heat resistant plastic. In the spray booth, under exposure to high temperature, the powder melts, covering the product with an even layer. You cannot coat a plastic bottle with such a dye - it will melt.
- Abrasion resistant paint is used for products exposed to intense mechanical stress.
- Tactile (soft touch) - creates a matte, soft and pleasant to the touch layer on the surface.
Do not use paint and primer containing acetone to coat plastic. This substance will destroy the material. In addition to the above, there is a special type of dye - liquid plastic. An inexpensive composition based on polystyrene, pigment and organic solvent, of universal use, suitable for coating plastic doors and window frames, siding, PVC panels, masonry, plaster, wood, concrete, metal.
Varieties of dyes suitable for plastics
The widest range of paints for plastics is presented on the modern construction market. Dyes differ from each other in composition of components, physical and chemical characteristics.
Use an all-purpose paint suitable for hard plastics. For thin, bendable plastics, use highly elastic dyes containing a high percentage of plasticizers.
water-based
These paints are known as acrylic enamels. It contains a pigment and a sealing component that make the coating durable and reliably adhere to the material. The result is a coating with the effect of a high-quality varnish. Before being covered with an acrylic enamel, clean plastic does not need to be primed or subjected to any special treatment. This is the best option for exterior painting.
Matte paints with a soft touch
This dye is also called tactile. After drying, the painted plastic has a matte appearance, its velvety surface is pleasant to the touch. Soft touch paint is used as a decorative paint, it is used for painting automotive plastic panels, furniture, decorative elements, toys, household appliances, smartphones.
The most popular is matte black dye, but manufacturers produce many other bright and saturated colors.
Acrylic
Acrylic is the best option for plastic. These paints are resistant, indelible, used for large-scale finishing, suitable for coating PVC panels, facings, window frames. There are rich and pastel shades. The binding base is water. It contains a pigment and a hardener.
Aerosol
Popular modern paint is optimal for embossed plastic products. It is possible to give a plastic surface a wide variety of shades and effects, including mirror and metallic. The spray can is convenient to use at home and at work.
What tools and materials will be needed for painting
To paint plastic, you need to prepare:
- a sufficient amount of paint;
- acrylic finishing varnish;
- fine grit sandpaper;
- white spirit solvent or equivalent;
- primer and putty;
- masking tape;
- plastic wrap for bedding;
- individual protection equipment;
- water, rags, detergent.
Surface preparation for painting
Plastic prepared for staining must be thoroughly washed, dried and processed for high-quality paint application. Particular care should be taken when processing areas exposed to intense mechanical stress during operation.
Perform plastic processing in the following steps:
- Remove grease and oil deposits with a solvent.
- Treat with an antistatic agent. This is necessary to exclude the ingress of dust particles on the painted surface.
- Apply a putty to eliminate defects. Choose a special plastic compound that is elastic.
- Smooth the surface with a damp sandpaper.
- Dry the plastic. Then degrease again.
- Prime with three thin coats to improve adhesion. Let the primer dry.
- Finish with sandpaper.
Home coloring technology
You can paint the plastic at home with a spray can or a brush. Paint the material at + 18-20°C, dry at + 20-60°C.
Aerosol
Spray paint is easy to apply, the job can be done by someone with no painting experience. Nozzles for cylinders are on sale, allowing you to change the density and volume of the sprayed composition.
Before starting work, it is necessary to glue over the areas that cannot be painted over with adhesive tape so that the paint does not touch them.
Paint the plastic with spray paint according to the following algorithm:
- Shake the box for about a minute.
- Bring it to the plastic surface about 30cm away.
- Spray the paint evenly by gently moving the can.
- 20 minutes after the first coat dries, apply the second, then the third.
- After the paint dries, fix the result with an aerosol varnish.
Brush
It is convenient to use the brush if the plastic product is small or has many details. In this case, working with a spray can is problematic.
The algorithm for working with a brush, in general, does not differ from using an aerosol:
- processing the plastic product - washing, drying, degreasing, grinding, priming;
- apply the paint evenly in 2-3 layers;
- after the coating has dried, apply an acrylic varnish if necessary.
To paint well with a brush, immerse it in the dye to 1/3 of the length of the hair. Work quickly without waiting for the paint to thicken. Keep the brush at the same angle at all times. Wipe excess dye from the brush on the edge of the box.
Precautionary measures
Plastic colorants and texture additives in structural paint are flammable and contain toxic volatiles. Therefore, when storing and using them, it is necessary to take into account the rules of fire safety and personal protection.
Use rubber gloves, plastic goggles and a respirator when dyeing. Choose an open or well-ventilated area for work.
Solve common problems
In order for the painted plastic product to have a high-quality appearance, serve it for a long time, and the paint does not peel off, does not swell, consider the following recommendations:
- Difficulty painting plastic with many details. Disassemble the product without using steel tools. Spread the pieces out on a wide rug to protect the floor from stains.
- The appearance of visible stains on the plastic. Do not use organic solvents for the treatment: they are the cause of the problem. The product turns out to be hopelessly damaged, the stains show through even through a coat of paint.
- The need to use a primer. The primer protects the coating from caking and chipping, but not all types of plastics need to be primed. To determine if a primer is needed, light a similar piece of plastic on fire. If it smokes, no priming is necessary; if it flows like wax, a primer is needed. You can also submerge the product in water, if it floats, no priming is needed.
- Cracks in the painted product. The problem arises if a composition without plasticizer was used. For bending plastic products, only paints with a high concentration of a plasticizer component are suitable.
- Soft-toch repaint. Be sure to remove the old coat before applying new paint. To do this, soak the product in the solvent 646.
- Protect drying plastic from dust. To prevent dust particles from entering the freshly painted surface, periodically spray the air around the product with water from a spray bottle.
Painting plastic is not difficult, but painstaking work, requiring compliance with technology and stages. A properly colored plastic product will last a long time while maintaining its aesthetics and performance.